Frequently Asked Questions

• Who should participate in theCougar Scholars: Early Start Program

  Math

  • Students that are considered Ready with Support, Early Start Strongly Recommended should participate in Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program.
  • Students that are considered Ready with Support are recommended to participate in Early Start.

  English
  

  • Students that are considered Ready with Support, Early Start Strongly Recommended must participate in Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program.
  • Students that are considered Ready with Support are recommended to participate in Early Start.
    

  Exemptions - The following students will NOT be strongly recommended to participate in Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program:

  • International students and residents of other states
  • Students participating in the EOP Summer Bridge Program or CAMP
  • Students may appeal if circumstances beyond their control prevent participation. Appeals should be submitted in writing with any supporting documentation. For more information contact our Early Start Coordinator. 
• When does Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program
  Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program courses at CSUSM are scheduled within the seven-week period of June 24 - August 2.
• How do I register for the Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program?
  Before you enroll in Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program classes, you must first complete your Smart Page. CSUSM students have their Smart Page defaulted to CSUSM. If you need help with your Smart Page you can find the instructions for completing your Smart Page here.
  
• How much does the Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program cost?

  Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program courses are  $191 per unit plus a $2 one-time fee. 

  The fee does not include course materials, housing and parking fees.

  California residents who apply for financial aid or the California Dream Act and have an Estimated Family Contribution of $6,000 or less will be eligible for a waiver of the per unit fee.  The fee waiver does not cover parking and course instruction materials.

• When do I need to pay my Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program course(s)?
  If you did not qualify for a fee waiver, you must pay your fees by the first day of class.  This can be done online at your MyCSUSM portal or at the Cashier’s Office in Cougar Central. 
• Can I do the Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program at another campus?

  No, Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program classes are only offered at CSUSM. 

  You may choose to fullfill your English (A2) and math (B4) requirements at a community college. Please visit : Assist to find a tranferable course.

  English: An equivalent transferrable course to CSUSM's A2: Written Communication requirement.

  Math: An equivalent transferrable course to CSUSM's B4: Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning requirement. 

• Can I take Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program courses at a community college?

  Yes!
  
  Some community colleges will require you to take their placement exams and  you must place into transferable college-level math or English. Visit your community college of your choice for more information. 

• I have summer plans that conflict with Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program, what are my options?

  You can take your English (A2) and math (B4) requirments your first semester during fall.

  Or you may choose to fullfill your English (A2) and math (B4) requirments at a community college.  Please visit : Assist to find a tranferable course.

  • English: An equivalent transferrable course to CSUSM's A2: Written Communication requirement. 
  • Math: An equivalent transferrable course to CSUSM's B4: Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning requirement.
• When can I register for my fall courses?
  You will be able to register for fall courses prior to orientation.
• What are CSU approved math courses that can exempt me from Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program through the new multiple measures?

  If you are conditionally exempt from Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program for math, you can meet the requirement by taking an approved  year-long math course in your senior year and earning a grade of "C-" or better. The following high school courses have been approved:

  • Trigonometry and Math Analysis
  • Pre-Calculus
  • Calculus
  • AP Calculus AB
  • AP Calculus BC
  • AP Statistics
  • AP Physics

  Other year-long courses have been approved under certain circumstances:

  Any other year-long high school math course with Algebra 2 or Integrated Math III as a prerequisite is approved

  High School Course for Conditionally Ready Students 

• What are CSU approved english courses that can exempt me from Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program through the new multiple measures?

  If you are conditionally exempt from Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program for English, you can meet the requirement by taking an approved year-long English course in your senior year and getting a grade of "C-" or better. The following high school courses have been approved:

  • Expository Reading and Writing Course (ERWC) - Adopted as a full year course in the 12th grade being taught by a certified instructor.
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) English
  • Advanced Placement—Language and Composition or Literature and Composition
  • English course approved for extra honors weight on the University of California "a-g" Doorways course list

  Standard Met: Conditionally Ready for CSU or Participating CCC College-Level English Courses 

Additional Questions?

Contact us at (760) 750-6060 or EarlyStart@csusm.edu